Igeret HaTeshuvah: Chapter 3 - Part 1: Tammuz 10
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Good Morning Rabbi.
Is fasting only defined by not eating or can fasting be anything that you desire yet actively deny yourself?
While actively denying is not considered fasting in the halachic sense, it most is a powerful spiritual force. In Chassidus, this is called "iskafya". It is showing the mastery of the spirit over the flesh, and the willingness to give up something for G-d. This can be seen from the laws of Yom Kippur, where it is not only eating that is avoided, but other things as well. We should all strive for the ability to only use what we need, to live for G-d, not merely for pleasure.